Proactive creation of photobooks

Abstract

A method for proactively creating a photobook includes identifying a group of images by a computer system and automatically creating a design for a photobook by the computer system without receiving a user's request for designing a photobook if the number of images in the group is determined to be within a predetermined range. Pages of the photobook incorporate a plurality of images in the group. The method further includes presenting the design of the photobook to a user for preview and receiving an order from the user for a physical manifestation of the photobook based on the design.

Description

PROACTIVE CREATION OF PHOTOBOOKS[0001]The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part Patent Application of and claims priority to commonly assigned pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 406,873, titled “Smart photobook creation”, filed on Mar. 18, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]This application relates to utilization of digital images, and more specifically, to the design and creation of products based on digital images.BACKGROUND[0003]In recent years, photography has been rapidly transformed from chemical based technologies to digital imaging technologies. Images captured by digital cameras can be stored in computers and viewed on display devices. Users can also produce image prints based on the digital images. Such image prints can be generated locally using output devices such an inkjet printer or a dye sublimation printer or remotely by a photo printing service provider. Other products that can be produced using the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]The disclosed methods and systems can significant increase the awareness of users in personalized image products such as photobooks. A user can also be given a chance to learn and visualize what a photobook might look like before he or she realizes that the possibility of a photobook or a photobook design based on his or her images. The memories of the users can thus be better preserved in more colorful and tangible ways for the users.

[0005]Furthermore, the disclosed systems and methods provide more convenient ways for a user to obtain designs of photo books. Images in a group can be automatically arranged into a photobook design without being asked by a user. The user is provided with an option to review, to edit, and to request a photobook to be made according to the design. As a result, the time and effort for a user to obtain a photobook are significantly reduced.

Problems solved by technology

Designing a photobook can include many iterative steps such as selecting suitable images, selecting layout, selecting images for each page, selecting backgrounds, picture frames, overall Style, add text, choose text font, and rearrange the pages, images and text, which can be quite time consuming.

Images